Numbers 26:23
These were the descendants of Issachar by their clans: The Tolaite clan from Tola, the Punite clan from Puvah,
These were the descendants of Issachar
The phrase introduces the genealogical record of the tribe of Issachar, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Issachar, the fifth son of Jacob and Leah, is often associated with strength and labor, as seen in Genesis 49:14-15. The Hebrew root for "Issachar" (יִשָּׂשכָר) can be linked to the idea of reward or recompense, reflecting Leah's hope for her son's future. Historically, the tribe of Issachar was known for its wisdom and understanding of the times, as noted in 1 Chronicles 12:32. This introduction sets the stage for understanding the tribe's role and legacy within the nation of Israel.

by their clans
The term "clans" refers to the subdivisions within the tribe, emphasizing the importance of family lineage and structure in ancient Israelite society. The Hebrew word for "clan" (מִשְׁפָּחָה, mishpachah) signifies a family group larger than a household but smaller than a tribe. This structure was crucial for maintaining order, inheritance rights, and social identity. In a broader biblical context, the emphasis on clans underscores the communal nature of God's people, where each family unit contributes to the whole.

Tola, the Tolaite clan
"Tola" is the first clan mentioned, named after Issachar's first son. The name "Tola" (תּוֹלָע) in Hebrew means "worm" or "scarlet," possibly indicating humility or a connection to the dye industry, which was significant in ancient times. The Tolaite clan's mention highlights the continuity of God's promises through generations. In Judges 10:1-2, Tola is also the name of a judge in Israel, suggesting that this clan may have played a significant role in leadership and governance.

Puvah, the Punite clan
"Puvah" is the second clan listed, derived from Issachar's son. The name "Puvah" (פּוּאָה) is sometimes spelled "Puah" and is associated with the meaning "splendid" or "mouth." The Punite clan, therefore, carries a legacy of communication and expression. This clan's inclusion in the genealogical record serves as a reminder of the diversity and richness within the tribes of Israel. Each clan, with its unique characteristics and contributions, reflects the multifaceted nature of God's people and His plan for them.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Sons of Issachar
The verse refers to the descendants of Issachar, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Issachar was the fifth son of Jacob and Leah, and his tribe played a significant role in the history of Israel.

2. Tola
Tola is mentioned as one of the clans of Issachar. The name Tola means "worm" or "scarlet," which can symbolize humility or redemption.

3. Puvah
Another clan of Issachar, Puvah is sometimes spelled as Puah. The name means "splendid" or "mouth," indicating a possible role in communication or leadership.
Teaching Points
Understanding Our Heritage
Just as the Israelites were aware of their tribal affiliations and heritage, Christians today can reflect on their spiritual heritage and the legacy of faith passed down through generations.

The Importance of Names
In biblical times, names often carried significant meanings and reflected character or destiny. Consider the meaning of your own name and how it might inspire your walk with God.

Role of Clans and Families
The structure of clans and families in Israel highlights the importance of community and support systems. In the church, we are called to be a family, supporting and encouraging one another.

Leadership and Service
The mention of Tola as a judge reminds us that God calls individuals from all backgrounds to serve and lead. Be open to how God might be calling you to serve in your community or church.

Faithfulness Across Generations
The continuity of the tribes of Israel demonstrates God's faithfulness to His promises. Reflect on how God has been faithful in your life and how you can pass that faithfulness on to future generations.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the lineage of the tribes of Israel, like Issachar, enhance our understanding of God's promises and faithfulness?

2. In what ways can the meanings of biblical names, such as Tola and Puvah, inspire us in our personal spiritual journeys?

3. How can we apply the concept of community and family support, as seen in the tribal structure of Israel, to our modern church communities?

4. What lessons can we learn from the leadership roles of individuals like Tola in the Bible, and how can we apply these lessons to our own opportunities for leadership and service?

5. How can reflecting on God's faithfulness to the tribes of Israel encourage us to remain faithful in our own lives and pass on that faithfulness to future generations?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 46:13
This verse lists the sons of Issachar, including Tola and Puvah, establishing their lineage and connection to Jacob's family as they entered Egypt.

1 Chronicles 7:1-5
Chronicles provides a genealogy of the tribe of Issachar, offering more detail about the descendants and their roles within the tribe.

Judges 10:1-2
Tola, a judge of Israel, is mentioned here, showing the leadership role that some descendants of Issachar played in Israel's history.
The Second CensusD. Young Numbers 26:1-62
People
Aaron, Abihu, Abiram, Ahiram, Ahiramites, Amram, Ard, Ardites, Areli, Arelites, Arod, Arodites, Ashbel, Ashbelites, Asher, Asriel, Asrielites, Becher, Becherites, Bela, Belaites, Benjamin, Beriah, Beriites, Berites, Caleb, Carmi, Carmites, Dan, Dathan, Eleazar, Eliab, Elon, Elonites, Enoch, Enochites, Er, Eran, Eranites, Eri, Erites, Gad, Gershon, Gershonites, Gileadites, Guni, Gunites, Haggai, Haggi, Haggites, Hamul, Hamulites, Hanoch, Hanochites, Heber, Heberites, Hebronites, Helek, Helekites, Helkites, Hepher, Hepherites, Hezron, Hezronites, Hoglah, Hupham, Huphamites, Iezerites, Imnah, Imnites, Ishvites, Israelites, Issachar, Ithamar, Jachin, Jachinites, Jahleel, Jahleelites, Jahzeel, Jahzeelites, Jamin, Jaminites, Jashub, Jashubites, Jeezer, Jeezerites, Jephunneh, Jesui, Jesuites, Jezer, Jezerites, Jimna, Jimnah, Jimnites, Jishvites, Jochebed, Joseph, Joshua, Kohath, Kohathites, Korah, Korahites, Korathites, Levi, Levites, Libnites, Machir, Machirites, Mahlah, Mahlites, Malchiel, Malchielites, Manasseh, Merari, Merarites, Milcah, Miriam, Moses, Mushites, Naaman, Naamites, Nadab, Naphtali, Nemuel, Nemuelites, Noah, Nun, Onan, Ozni, Oznites, Pallu, Palluites, Perez, Perezites, Phallu, Phalluites, Pharez, Pua, Puah, Punites, Reuben, Reubenites, Sarah, Sardites, Saul, Saulites, Serah, Sered, Seredites, Shaul, Shaulites, Shechemites, Shelah, Shelanites, Shemida, Shemidaites, Shillem, Shillemites, Shimron, Shimronites, Shuham, Shuhamites, Shuni, Shunites, Shupham, Shuphamites, Shuthelah, Shuthelahites, Simeon, Simeonites, Tahan, Tahanites, Tirzah, Tola, Tolaites, Zarhites, Zebulun, Zebulunites, Zelophehad, Zephon, Zephonites, Zerah, Zerahites
Places
Canaan, Egypt, Jericho, Jordan River, Moab, Peor, Sinai
Topics
Clan, Clans, Families, Family, Issachar, Is'sachar, Pua, Puah, Puite, Punite, Punites, Puvah, Sons, Tola, Tolaite, Tolaites, To'laites
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Numbers 26:1-61

     5671   clan

Numbers 26:1-62

     7230   genealogies

Numbers 26:1-65

     5249   census

Numbers 26:12-50

     7266   tribes of Israel

Library
The Census of Israel
Thirty-eight years had passed away since the first numbering at Sinai, and the people had come to the borders of the Promised Land; for they were in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho. The time had come for another census. The wisdom which commanded the counting of Israel at the beginning of the wilderness journey, also determined to count them at the end of it. This would show that he did not value them less than in former years; it would afford proof that his word of judgment had been fulfilled
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891

The Training of a Statesman.
MOSES IN EGYPT AND THE WILDERNESS.--EX. 1:1; 7:5. Parallel Readings. Goodnow, F. J., Comparative Administrative Law. Hist. Bible I, 151-69. And he went out on the following day and saw two men of the Hebrews striving together; and he said to the one who was doing the wrong, Why do you smite your fellow-workman? But he replied, Who made you a prince and a judge over us? Do you intend to kill me as you killed the Egyptian? Then Moses was afraid and said, Surely the thing is known. When, therefore,
Charles Foster Kent—The Making of a Nation

Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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